Scott praises 'unbelievable togetherness' ahead of quarter-final

Albion Under-18s boss Mike Scott has hailed his side's unity and dedication ahead of their FA Youth Cup quarter-final tie against Everton at The Hawthorns on Tuesday, February 26 (ko 7pm).

Scott's side are the first cohort of Albion youngsters this century to reach the last eight of English football's premier youth tournament, with the squad's camaraderie playing a key role in their success to date.

Many of the teenagers have been at the Club from a young age, and Mike believes the family-like atmosphere in his team has been at the heart of their impressive cup run.

"The team have an unbelievable togetherness and commitment to this football club," said Scott.

"We have been blessed with the fact that so many that have been involved in this fantastic cup run have been regularly playing under-23s football this season in Jamie Smith's side.

"The work Jamie has done with these players has been brilliant and in all the rounds we have played in we have seen a real maturity from the players involved. The group is competitive and have always been a team that enjoyed tournament success throughout their schoolboy programme. They are really looking forward to this game."

"To have reached the quarter-final stage is really exciting," said Mike.

"I'm really looking for to the game at The Hawthorns in what will be two good sides competing for a place in the semi-final. To reach the semi-final stage of this prestigious youth cup would be a remarkable achievement for the players and the Club."

Whilst Albion know it will be a tough test against a highly-rated Everton side, Scott is pleased that he will head into the game with a full compliment of players.

"Everton are one of the best sides we have played this season," he added.

"They are currently Under-18 Premier League title contenders. They are hardworking, will play to their strengths, are very organised defensively and can score goals. We are fortunate to have everyone fit and available for this game."

Tickets for the game are available on the gate and will cost £5 for adults and £1 for concessions.

Albion U18s 4 Everton U18s 3

Albion Under-18s twice came from behind to earn a brilliant 4-3 win over Everton in their FA Youth Cup quarter-final at The Hawthorns.

The young Baggies found themselves two goals down after Bobby Carroll and Korede Adedoyin had put Everton in an early commanding position.

Rayhaan Tulloch and Tom Solanke hauled Mike Scott’s side back level with goals either side of the break, and despite Ellis Simms restoring Everton’s lead in the second-half strikes from Morgan Rogers and Taylor Gardner-Hickman saw Albion complete a magnificent turnaround.

They will now face Manchester City in the last-four for a shot at a place in the final.

The away side went in front inside seven minutes when Carroll took advantage of a defensive mishap to fire past Josh Griffiths from the edge of Albion’s penalty area.

Everton had the better of the opening quarter of the game, going close when Anthony Gordon smashed a free-kick against the crossbar, and doubled their lead through Adedoyin’s deflected effort on 20 minutes.

Albion finished the first-half strongly, though. Morgan Rogers had a close-range effort saved and George Harmon curled over before Rayhaan Tulloch halved the deficit nine minutes before the break.

Within three minutes of half-time the young Baggies were level - Tulloch again playing a key part in the goal as his run and cross was swept home by Solanke.

But it didn't take long for Everton to re-establish their advantage, Simms following up a long-range shot to tap in the rebound.

Albion didn't allow the goal to halt their flow as they continued to battle under the lights. Rogers’ low strike was kept out well by Harry Tyrer and Jamie Soule had a cheeky attempt from a tight angle cleared off the line.

The Baggies’ pressure then finally paid off with 76 minutes on the clock as Rogers netted into the bottom right corner from the just outside the six-yard box.

A couple of minutes later the turnaround was complete when substitute Gardner-Hickman cut inside from the left and curled home a stunning effort to spark fantastic scenes of celebration.

Mackenzie Hunt was sent off for Everton with nine minutes remaining, and Albion comfortably saw the game out to earn a place in the semi-finals.

Back the Baggies in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals

25 February 2019

Support Albion Under-18s as they go toe-to-toe with Everton in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals at The Hawthorns on Tuesday, February 26 (ko 7pm).

The Baggies head into the game fresh from their acclaimed performance and victory at Arsenal, one of the competition's favourites and the Mike Scott's side will now attempt to add the scalp of another of the hotly-fancied teams.

You can support Albion's youngsters at The Hawthorns, with ticket prices at just £5 for adults and £1 for concessions. Tickets will be available on the gate.

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